Volvo has teamed up with nine other participants, including the EU and Imperial College London, to identify a feasible alternative to the heavyweight, large size and high costs associated with the batteries seen in hybrids and EVs today.

The solution – a battery system made from carbon fibres, polymer resin, nano-batteries and super capacitors – has been developed to act as body panels of the car as well as a fully functional battery.

The three and a half year research project has been tested on Volvo’s S80 model.  The fitted battery material is recharged and energised through brake energy generation or by plugging in to a main electrical grid.